Puerto
Vallarta Art GalleriesA good number of fine art galleries
in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico showcase many different kinds of indigenous
art and crafts as well as many works by contemporary Mexican national and
local artists, painters and sculptors, including expatriates. The city's
art gallery scene is quite active especially from November through April
when the art galleries have occasional cocktail party inaugurations for
individual and collective artist exhibitions. There are now some 25-30
galleries and art stores in town. There is also a large amount of quality
public artwork to be seen, especially on the downtown malecon with its
many sculptures and statues. Listed here are most of the best known Puerto
Vallarta art galleries with a number of others thrown in for good measure,
please call them for further details and their hours of business. Plenty
of articles and up-to-date information on openings and artists, etc, can
be found at Banderas
News - Puerto Vallarta Art Talk. Also see below on the new Teatro Vallarta
Theater and read more about the weekly
art walk.
These are among the main cultural attractions in town. Gay owned art stores
and galleries that I know of are marked with **

Artesanias Flores - South Side/Zona Romantica
- 282 Lazaro Cardenas. Tel: 223-0773Puerto Vallarta Huichol art, handicrafts
and jewelry at reasonable prices. A family-owned local PV business for
over 25 years, with many small unique objects that make good presents.
Workshops have been sometimes available for small groups to learn more
about Huichol arts & crafts and culture. Mon-Sat, 10:30am-9pm,
Sun 11am-4pm

Artesanias Watakame -
Central/Downtown - 327 Libertad. Tel: 223-0773A large selection of Huichol arts:
yarn paintings, prayer bowls, alebrijes (handcrafted fantasy figures) from
Oaxaca, masks, and beaded sculptures of such revered animal figures as
deer, iguanas, turtles and tigers. The owners of this Puerto Vallarta art
store have extensive knowledge of arte Huichol, Indian art and their culture.
One of the best stores for indigenousnative handicrafts or artesanias,
and known for its personal attention by Hilda and her family. Mon-Sat,
10am-9pm; Sun, 10am-3pm.

Contempo Galeria
- South Side/Old Town - 252 Basilio Badillo. Tel: 223-1925
**Newest art gallery in town, with
very contemporary Puerto Vallarta artwork, paintings and bronze statues.
Representing well-known and avant-garde Mexican artists such as Cecilia
Garcia Amaro, Marilo Carral, Jesus Cantu, Abelardo Favela, Irma Griza,
Meg Munro and Lucille Wong. Four new artists have recently joined the talented
list at Contempo: Yoel Diaz Galvez (originally from Cuba), Alejandro Mondria,
Luis Carlos, and Miguel Lopez Vazquez An impressive and excellent
collection on two levels.
Contempo
Gallery is located across Basilio Badillo from the Galleria Dante at
the corner of Ignacio Vallarta street. Same owner and location as the old
Adobe cafe. Friendly and knowledgeable service with owner Rodolfo Choperena
Tiemann, who worked at the Dante gallery for 5 years. Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm
and 4pm-8pm; Sat 10am-2pm.

Dante Gallery
- South Side - 269 Basilio Badillo. Tel: 222-2477, 044-322-229-6648The Galleria Dante specializes in
original works by contemporary sculptors and recasts of well known bronze
statues as well as quite a large collection of paintings. More than 55
artists from throughout Mexico including Hector Buiges, Guillermo Brockmann,
Oscar Capache, Gabriel Colunga, Rogelio Diaz, Guillermo Gomez, Jonás
Gutiérrez, Juana Cortez Salazar, Rocio Sanchez and gay artists Jean-Gabriel
Lambert and Alvaro Zardoni. An eclectic and interesting collection by Claire
and Joe Guarniere, two of the more respected members of the local art community.
Since 1995. Includes a painting and sculpture garden and fountains. In
my estimation among the most vibrant and best of all Puerto Vallarta art
galleries. Dante
gallery opening night showings during the winter months, 6pm-10pm.
Closed off-season summer months May-Sept, by appointment only. Vonage:
269-282-6865. Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm.

Galeria de Ollas - Downtown/el
Centro - 176 Corona. Tel: 223-1045Beautiful Mexican pottery from the
village of Mata Ortiz in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico (see two photos
at page bottom) made in the same manner as the inhabitants of the ancient
city of Paquime 500 years ago. These beautiful polychrome ceramics with
their meticulously crafted designs reflect much of the pre-Columbian culture's
mythology, with modern designs and style, and Galeria de Ollas (since 1998)
has a great selection, some of the best in town. Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm
and 4pm-7pm; Sat 10am-2pm.

Galeria Pacifico
- Downtown - 174 Aldama, 2nd floor. Tel: 222-1982One of the leading Puerto Vallarta
art galleries since 1987. Mexican art with an emphasis on local painters
such as Marco Alvarez, Hugo Barajas, Brewster Brockmann, Alfredo Langarica,
David Leonardo, Laura Rubio, and sculptor Ramiz Barquet (1920-2010), whose
splendid work "Nostalgia" is one of the main pieces on the malecon. Another
of Barquet's statue,"El Pescador" (the fisherman), can be found in the
little square on Insurgentes Street near the main municipal/flea market.
Galeria
Pacifico is recommended by Frommer's and Fodor's guides to Mexico as
among the best in the country. Sculpture, paintings, graphics and posters.
Respected owner Gary Thompson. See below for details about the walking
art tour of the malecon sponsored by the Pacifico gallery. Mon-Sat,
10am-8pm.

Galeria Uno - Central - 561
Morelos. Tel: 222-0908Now with over 40 years at the same
downtown location, Galeria Uno is the oldest Puerto Vallarta art gallery.
Showcasing art work by over 40 Mexican and international artists such as
Manuel Adria, Alejandro Colunga, Francisco Curiel, Alberto Fregoso, Raymundo
Gonzalez, Stefan Lokos, Manuel Martinez, Luz Elena Moreno and Jesus Lopez
Vega to name just a few. An eclectic and fine collection of paintings,
graphics and sculptures; Galeria
Uno is one of the best and most interesting galleries in Puerto Vallarta.
Since 1971. Mon-Sat, 10am-8pm.

Muy Guapo Vallarta - Old Town - 310 Venustiano
Carranza. Cell: 044-322-170-9687 **Showcasing the color and sophistication
of old and new art from Mexico and Latin America. Mid-century and contemporary
fine art, vintage textiles of varied sizes and periods, antique Mexican
folk handcrafts, decorative pillows, leather goods, vintage and contemporary
pottery and wood crafts, 19th century devotional art as well as beautifully
framed prints and maps. Gay-owned by Enrique Zepeda and Richard Parkman,
who moved to town in 2011 to open Muy
Guapo so that he could combine his passion for Latin American art with
a keen decorative eye. Closed from June to October. Mon-Fri, 11am-6pm

Olinala Gallery
- South Side/Romantic Zone - 274 Lazaro Cardenas. Tel: 222-4995,
Cell: 044-322-121-3576Opened in 1978, Olinala is the most
established and oldest folk art-ethnographic gallery in PV. The masks in
their collection are ritual objects that have been worn in ceremonial performances
from various ethnic groups in Mexico, many from the southern states of
Michoacan and Guerrero. They embody the magic, mysticism and religion of
the cultures which produce them to define the fervor and vigor of their
respective communities. Over the years Galeria Olinala has had high ratings
in respected travel guide books such as Fodors and Frommers. Owned by well-known
local sculptor Brewster Brockmann. Mon-Fri, 10:30am-3:30pm.

Patti Gallardo Eclectic
Art - South Side - 250 Basilio Badillo. Tel: 222-5712 **(Now closed) Art gallery with sculptures
and paintings, and interior design. During her early years in the city,
she was primarily known for her line of hand painted clothing, colorful
pieces depicting whimsical women, animals and still life. Patti Gallardo
has lived in Puerto Vallarta since 1980. Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm and 5pm-10pm.

Peyote
People - Centro - 222 Juarez. Tel: 222-2302, 222-6268Fine selections of Huichol yarn
paintings and the bead art of these indigenous peoples of the Sierra Madre
Mountains in Western Mexico. Peyote People is a fair trade co-operative
gallery/museum based in Puerto Vallarta that provides most of the carvings
to the artists, as well as new iridescent glass beads that are imported
exclusively into Mexico for their craftsmen to use in their ethnic folk
art and crafts. Visit
Peyote
People - Huichol Indian Folk Art for a good read into the people, culture
and the Huichol Indian ceremonial cycle. This page at Mexconnect
Huichol
people, culture, symbolism, art has very extensive info and links.
Peyote People features such artists as Santos Bautista, Hilaria Chavez
Carrillo, Luis Castro, Santos Daniel Carrillo Jimenez (see photo left),
Mario Moreno, Neikame (Jose Carrillo Morales), Pedro Mendoza, and Luis
Ruiz Ramirez. Friendly service with Kevin Simpson. Mon-Fri, 10am-8pm;
Sat and Sun, 10am-6pm.

Sergio
Bustamante Gallery - Downtown - 275 Juarez. Phone: 223-1405, 222-8321
**Modern sculpture and original jewelry
by one of Mexico's most famous living sculptors. Life-size animals done
in bronze, ceramic and paper mache. Since 1975. Bustamante has several
large public art sculptures on the Puerto Vallarta malecon. Also with art
galleries located in Mexico City, Cancun, los Cabos and Guadalajara.
Mon-Sat, 11am-7pm.

The Loft Galeria - Central - 176-A Corona, upstairs.
Tel: 222-6353**Unique art works at the
Loft
Gallery by Carmen Alarcon, Javier Arevalo, Marianela de la Hoz, Rodolfo
Morales, Norma Pardo, Fernando Sandoval, Francisco Toledo and many other
fine artists. Painting, sculpture, photography and works on paper by emerging,
mid-career and recognized masters of The Americas. Established by Ruben
Cham and John Strawn. Mon-Fri, 11am-6pm; Sat, 11am-3pm.

Briefly, here are quite a good number
of the other art stores and galleries in Puerto Vallarta:

Cuale
River Museum - Rio Cuale Island, West end. Tel: 222-1007On the Cuale River island this small
museum traces the pre-Hispanic cultural history and art of this part of
western Mexico from as far back as 5000 BC. The museum showcases some of
the pottery and other objects found at the Ixtapa Archeological Zone along
the Ameca River. Free. No pets, food or pictures. Tues-Sat, 9am-2pm
and 3pm-6pm

Galeria Rodo Padilla - South Side
- 146 Basilio Badillo. Phone: 113-0504Sculptures in bronze, stoneware
and high-temperature ceramic by Tlaquepaque's well-known artist, Rodo Padilla.
Also with workshop and galleries in Mexico City and Tlaquepaque. Part of
the new and pleasant Caffe del Mar just off Los Muertos beach and with
sidewalk seating. Mon-Sat, 8am-11pm

Historical Naval Museum - Downtown
- 4 Zaragoza street. Tel: 223-5357Operated by the Government of Mexico
since November 2006 this is one of only 4 such Navy museums in the country
that presents the nation's maritime history. The Historical Naval Museum
features cartography, navigation instruments and charts, images, and scale
models. Free guided tours, audio-visual hall, gift shop and cafeteria upstairs.
Located adjacent to the Los Arcos Amphitheater near the Puerto Vallarta
downtown main plaza. No charge, free. Tues-Fri, 9am-7:30pm; Sat-Sun,
10am-7:30pm

La Cuiza Galeria Concepto - Centro/Cuale
River Island Local #4. Tel: 224-4776New show place for various artisans
located on the Cuale River Island near the famed River Cafe restaurant.
Mon-Weds, 11am-7pm; Thus-Sat, 11am-1pm

Lacandonia Jewelry - South Side
- 317 Basilio Badillo at Constitucion. Tel: 113-0004, 044-322-229-6897Many exclusively and exquisitely
handmade pieces of jewelry by applying some of the same techniques used
1,300 years ago. Designs are often inspired by pre-Hispanic cultures such
as Mayan, Aztec and Zapoteca. There are two friendly local artisans at
the Lacandonia workshop. Some prehistoric jewelry designs, original arrows
elaborated by lacandons, rustical toys and shamanic liquid. Mon-Sat,
9am-9pm

Lucy's Cucu Cabana - South Side/Zona
Romantica - 295 Basilio Badillo. Telefono: 222-1220Unique Mexican folk-art including
items like hand-crafted Oaxacan pieces, wool rugs and also talavera ceramics,
which they often purchase on their journeys around Mexico during the summer.
Co-owner Gil Gevins, Lucy's husband, is the author of hilarious books of
Vallarta mis-adventures entitled Puerto Vallarta on Forty-Nine Brain Cells
a Day, and Refried Beans, which you can purchase at the shop. Mon-Sat,
10am-6pm

Manuel
Lepe Museum - South Side - Jacarandas at Francisca Rodriguez. Tel:
222-4255The house where famed Puerto Vallarta
painter Manuel Lepe, 1936-1984, lived (see photo of his art at left) now
showcases some of his fine works, as well as photographs and reviews. Guided
tours of Lepe's workshop now preserved as a Puerto Vallarta museum and
gallery are offered by appointment. Also providing cultural workshops and
painting for children. 100 pesos admission. Mon-Fri, Noon-7pm

Marta Gilbert Galeria - Centro/Cuale
River Island, Local #1. Tel: 223-4776New show place for the works by
famed Marta Gilbert, located above well-known Oscar's restaurant on the
Cuale Island. Mon-Sat, 9am-11pm

Puerco Azul - South Side - 325
Constitucion at Basilio Badillo. Tel: 222-8647An eclectic, whimsical and colorful
selection of artwork, ceramics, folk-art, jewelry, textiles and home accessories,
some of it created by owner
Lee
Chapman aka Lencho who has illustrated a number of children's books,
a few co-written with his wife Nancy. Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm

The Genius of Paco Gallery/La
Cuiza Art Gallery - Local #4 Cuale River Island. Tel: 222-8168New York and Puerto Vallarta based
artist Frank "Paco" Rudin's gallery and museum with one main purpose being
to document the distinctive Puerto Vallarta "Naif" style. The studio also
has a recently acquired collection of photos by Hugo Brehme and Agustín
Víctor Casasola who documented the 1910 Mexican revolution. Artists
include Ramón Barragan, Ada Colorina, Edgar Martínez, Javier
Niño and others. Has a sculpture garden for music and performances.
Next to El Brujo restaurant. Mon-Fri, 11am-7pm; Sat, 11am-2pm

Travel Note: Unfortunately the Great
Recession has not been kind to some of Vallarta's art galleries such as
Ana Romo, Arte 550, the Jalisco Institute of Handicrafts, 8 y mas, Galeria
A.L. Arte Latinoamericano (which had been around since 1998), Galeria Corona,
Mara Diaz, and gay-owned galleries T. Fuller Fine Art, Galeria Sol y Luna,
and Quadro, among others, have had to close their doors these past 3-4
years or so. A number of new ones including Colectika, Contempo Galleria,
Galeria Rodo Padilla, La Pulga, and PV Santana have come along to add to
the active, colorful and lively art-culture scene in Puerto Vallarta. The
information noted in this
Gay Puerto Vallarta Travel
Guide was considered accurate when posted but changes can and do occur,
so you may want to confirm details directly with the businesses in question
before planning your time out and around town.

Javier Nino - South Side - 322
Lazaro Cardenas. Tel: 222-0800, Cell: 044-322-131-4895His workshop of dreams/fabrica de
suenos has for many years been in the Romantic Zone. Mon-Sat, 10am-9pm

Jose Marca Taller/Studio &
Gallery - South Side - 326 Lazaro Cardenas. Tel: 222-3748Artist Jose Marca has lived in the
city since 1971 and has a unique personal style. Mon-Fri, 9am-2pm
and 4pm-8pm; Sat, 10am-4pm

Meg Munro Studio - Colonia 5 de
Diciembre - 1225 Ecuador. Tel: 223-1142You can call for your private viewing
of Puerto Vallarta artist Meg Munro at her studio. Weds, 10am-7pm. A local
resident for over 25 years, she has recently started exhibiting her watercolors
at the Contempo Galleria.

Act
II Entertainment / StagesTheater, cabaret and piano bar.
Vallarta's new theater
company, with the mission of providing to "Puerto Vallarta residents
and visitors the opportunity both to attend and to participate in quality
theatrical and musical productions. We strive for community inclusion and
excellence in all aspects of production, with the goal of developing local
talent to the maximum extent possible, as well as presenting national and
international performers." Another significant cultural asset by the local
straight and gay community. Their annual programming includes: Main Stage
musicals and plays, Red Room cabaret shows, and the Encore piano bar. The
2014-2015 season includes: Luna Rumba world class fusion, Jan-Mar; Broadway
Baby starring Miss Conception, Monday at 7:30pm; Kim Kuzma every Sunday
at 7:30pm and every Weds at 9:30pm; Dame Edna, Dec 27-Feb 14; the extraordinary
play Equus by Peter Shaffer, Weds-Sat at 8pm; Forever Plaid the heavenly
musical, Feb 26-March 14; The Voice of Vallarta, presenting some of the
town's best vocal talent, every Sunday at 8pm, Dec 7-Apr 12; Forever Elvis
with Rob Knight; Divas, a one woman show with Bonnie Kilroe, Feb 27-Mar
10; and also Banderas Bay Jazz all stars, Jason Brock, the Golden Girls
live, Lorna Luft, Joelle Rabu, The Kinsey Sicks and many others. Act II
is located at 300 Insurgentes Street at Basilio Badillo on the South Side,
2nd floor and above Wing's Army restaurant. Check the Act
II facebook for plenty of info. Box office daily, 11am-10pm. Tel: 222-1512

Art Walk
Puerto Vallarta downtown 2014-2015The ever-popular Old Town Art Walk
this year has 10 participating Puerto Vallarta art galleries which host
complimentary cocktail receptions and expositions on Wednesday nights
from
6pm-10pm during the high season winter months starting this year
October
29, 2014 until May 27, 2015. People will wander from gallery
to gallery in search of art, conversation and the perfect glass of wine.
This is undoubtedly a good way to meet some Puerto Vallarta artists, see
plenty of superb paintings, ceramics and fine sculptures, have an interesting
evening out, and perhaps even make a few new friends. The 9 galleries participating
this year are: Colectika, Corsica Galeria de Arte I and II, de Ollas, Caballito
del Mar. Pacifico Gallery, PV Santana, Whitlow, and The Loft Galeria. Look
for a map around town, at your hotel or in participating galleries. Main
info here for this important city cultural activity:
Vallarta
Art Walk map. The ArtWalk Association also recommends these three restaurants
for your dining pleasure while out and about in the Historic Center: Cafe
Des Artistes, Mama Rosa and The River Cafe.

Cuale Cultural CenterLocated at the east end of the Cuale
River Island, past Le Bistro restaurant and the statue of John Huston and
among many big beautiful trees is the rather secluded Puerto Vallarta Cuale
Cultural and Art Center, where popular daily artistic activities include
sculpture, painting and music lessons, storytelling and modern dance workshops.
Apparently there are also 3 city groups open to the general public: theater,
choir and dance. Tel: 113-0107, 223-0095

Walking Art Tour of
the Puerto Vallarta MaleconGaleria Pacifico sponsors a Public
Sculpture Walking Tour that starts at 9:30am every Tuesday at the Millennium
sculpture near the Hotel Rosita at the north end of the PV Malecon. You
might be able to meet some of the sculptors of the statues, such as Mathis
Lidice and Jim Demetro, and hear them speak about their work along the
mile-long malecon. Owner Gary Thompson acts as your guide and talks about
the present local art scene, and Kevin Simpson of Peyote People also speaks
on the significance of the Huichol Indian depictions on the new boardwalk
promenade. The Walking Art Tour every Tuesday, 9:30am-11:30am, starting
Nov 13 through April. Free, no reservation. For further info call
Pacifico
Gallery, Tel: 222-1982

Ports of Art/Foundacion Aire Fresco/Fresh Air
Foundation - Puerto VallartaLocated within the Puerto Vallarta
International Airport in the departure terminal, Ports of Art was created
to provide opportunities for artists to display their work in an open venue,
to contribute towards the visual enhancement of public spaces and to raise
funds for the Fundación Aire Fresco. Since 2008, the Fresh Air Foundation
has helped hundreds of youngsters and young people in attending day and
summer camps with programs in the arts, language, ecology and physical
education. Ports
of Art for further details.

Puerto Vallarta Artists Open StudiosAs Alex Gomez reported in the PV
Scene Puerto
Vallarta Artists Open Studios, from January through March a dozen Puerto
Vallarta artists were allowing guests to visit them in their studios so
they can be observed working at their art. Artists include Ada Colorina,
Rogelio Diaz, Angeline Kyba Fernando Sánchez and Irere Topete. Open
studios from 10am-10pm on Janunary 23-24, February 20-21 and March 20-21.

Puerto Vallarta
Theater/Teatro Vallarta - 5 de Diciembre/Downtown - 184 Uruguay.
Tel: 222-4525, 222-4517, 222-4475Theater Vallarta recently opened
in March 2010. The auditorium of the Puerto Vallarta performing arts center
has a seating capacity of around 960 people and has/will put on mainstream
and avant-garde productions and presentations by Fandango, Vienna Strauss
Orchestra, Get Back! Beatlemania, Presidance, Don Quixote by the Bolshoi
Ballet, 3 Tenors, Bajo Cero, Jesus Christ Superstar, European Cabaret,
Yuri, Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs, and a variety of other cultural activities.
There's also Close Up Vallarta an International Festival of Video Creation,
with categories of video art, performance, and experimental shorts. An
offshoot of the Puerto Vallarta Theater will be a non-profit school which
will promote art, dance, music and culture among children through its Fandango
Foundation. Teatro Vallarta is located across from Ley supermarket, between
Avenida Mexico and Peru street. Tickets are available at the box office:
Mon and Tues, 11am-7pm and Weds to Sun, 11am-9pm. For further info visit
Puerto
Vallarta Theater/Teatro Vallartafor
current and coming concerts, spectacles and dance.

Xiutla Folkloric Dance &
BalletNow in their 18th year. During the
winter months the Xiutla Folk Dance troupe performs January through mid-April
at Lazaro Cardenas Park on the South Side on Friday nights at 7:30pm (photo
at right) and at the Los Arcos Amphitheater on the Puerto Vallarta malecon
boardwalk Sunday evenings at 8pm. Further local info on the Xiutla Ballet
can be found here at VallartaonLine's
Xiutla
Folkloric Ballet and also at the Puerto
Vallarta Scene -Xiutla Folkloric Ballet where there is a nice video
from YouTube of them performing the Bolero de Rabel at
Los
Arcos amphitheater during the Art Festival in May. Don't miss these
exciting dancers. The folkloric dance group has traveled and toured throughout
the Americas, from Brazil to the USA and Canada, as well as in Europe.
Xiutla was the first name of Vallarta and means in Náhuatl "the
Place where the Vegetation grows".

Puerto Vallarta Festival Gourmet - November
14-23, 2013The annual Puerto
Vallarta Festival Gourmet in November features the culinary talents
of local chefs of PV and Nayarit state, as well as some guest chefs from
internationally acclaimed restaurants and hotels. Highlights of the Festival
include cooking classes, cheese seminars, tequila madness night and the
Gourmet brunch at Café des Artistes. Participating restaurants include
Coco Tropical, El Tomatillo, Kaiser Maximilian, La Palapa, Le Kliff, Porto
Bello, the River Cafe, Trio and some 15 or so others, as well as PV hotels
including CasaMagna Marriott, Fiesta Americana Hotel, Sheraton Buganvilias
Resort & Convention Center, Velas Vallarta Hotel, and Westin Resort
& Spa, to name a few. Tel: 222-2247